Porsche Downgrading to 4 Cylinders?

Man, what's this world coming to? This economic crisis has car makers going crazy. Porsche in particular seems to be feeling the pain as it's made some of the biggest compromises yet. The first one was when decided to make a diesel engine. Also, they've just completed work on their first sedan. That's right, as in 4 doors, 2 more than on any Porsche so far (except maybe the Cayenne).

Ferdinand Porsche must be rolling in his grave right now, but Porsche wasn't done with the compromises. In an effort to bring down emissions overall, Porsche insiders have just spilled the beans on a 2011 Boxster that will be equipped with a 4 cylinder engine.

Right now Porsche isn't making anything smaller than 6 cylinder engines, but it's history was built on the 4 boxer cylinder that was fitted on cars starting with 356. This comes among earlier rumors that an entry-level model will be released some time in the next years slotting just under the Boxster in the company's line-up.

Right now, Porsche is really struggling with figures in gas consumption and emissions, which is why severe measure have to be taken in order to meet European and American standards. These changes may be necessary to protect the environment and keep Porsche on the market, but the most dangerous thing right now for the company is to lose its fan base, which is sure to squint its eyes at the possibility of driving a diesel or a sedan with the Porsche logo on it.

This new 4-cylinder model engine is said to go on the Boxster, which could seriously hamper its performances, clearly one of the strong selling points of the model. It remains to be seen whether Porsche will have to rethink its strategies or if its fan base is actually considerate about the environment.